Noah Romsdal Hallundbæk Sørensen
Emilia Clarke is shutting down rumors of a fantasy comeback.
Emilia Clarke became one of television’s most recognisable figures through her long run as Daenerys Targaryen.
Yet years after the final episode aired, the actor is drawing a firm line under that chapter of her career.
Her time on Game of Thrones spanned nearly a decade and ended with one of the most hotly debated finales in modern TV. Now, Clarke says she is moving in a different direction.
A clear break
Speaking to The New York Times, Clarke said she has no intention of revisiting fantasy roles. “You’re highly unlikely to see me get on a dragon, or even in the same frame as a dragon, ever again,” she told the newspaper.
The comment effectively closes the door on speculation about a return to Westeros.
It also signals a conscious effort to avoid being tied to the genre that defined her early fame.
Clarke portrayed Daenerys from 2011 to 2019, charting the character’s rise and eventual turn into the so-called Mad Queen, a storyline that divided audiences worldwide.
Mixed feelings linger
Clarke has previously addressed the backlash surrounding the series finale. She acknowledged that viewers’ anger was understandable, saying, “I get why people were pissed.”
At the same time, she stressed that her responsibility as an actor was to commit fully.
She said that after investing years into the role, “you can’t do justice to the character that you poured your blood, sweat, and tears into for a decade without getting on the same page.”
Her comments reflect an effort to separate her personal views from the work she delivered on screen.
Beyond Westeros
Since Game of Thrones, Clarke has built a varied résumé. Her projects have ranged from Solo: A Star Wars Story to romantic films such as Me Before You and Last Christmas, as well as the Marvel series Secret Invasion.
She has also appeared on stage in London in a production of The Seagull, and lent her voice to animated projects, demonstrating a deliberate shift away from epic fantasy.
New commitments
Clarke’s next major role is in Peacock’s spy thriller Ponies, released on January 15. Set in 1977 Moscow, the series follows two women who become CIA operatives after their husbands are killed.
According to The New York Times, Clarke initially hesitated about leading another TV series, citing the scale of commitment.
She said the show’s creators made her feel heard by offering her a choice between roles.
Franchise marches on
While Clarke steps away, the Game of Thrones universe continues to expand.
New series and seasons are in development, and author George R.R. Martin has hinted at possible sequels.
Those developments have fueled fan theories about Daenerys’s return. Clarke’s comments make clear that, confirmed or not, she has no interest in revisiting the role.
Sources: Screenrant, The New York Times
